Livingston pros design Snyder's Christmas tree

Country Lane Flowers designers Kathy Cunningham, front, and Kathy Spencer put their special mark on a Christmas tree that will decorate the governor’s mansion in Lansing. Their creative work will be on display through the holiday season.(Photo: ALAN WARD/DAILY PRESS & ARGUS)

It takes a special eye for detail to make a Christmas tree's design look effortless, especially one on display at Gov. Rick Snyder's Lansing residence.

On Tuesday, designers Kathy Spencer and Kathy Cunningham, both of Howell-based Country Lane Flowers, were commissioned to doll up a Fraser fir tree and create centerpieces at the venue.

"We started shortly after 9 a.m., and are almost done with the 7-foot tree," Spencer said Tuesday afternoon.

The tree, tucked away in a library within the 8,700-square-foot home, will be used for photo opportunities throughout the holiday season, said Sarah Hamel, the governor's residence and events director.

The residence, donated to the state by Howard and Letha Sober in 1969, is a spot for state department meetings, official receptions and parties as well as a site for private businesses and political groups to hold events, the Detroit Free Press reports. Snyder does not live in the home with his family, but chooses to commute from his residence near Ann Arbor.

Country Lane Flowers designers Kathy Cunningham, left, and Kathy Spencer put their special mark on a Christmas tree that will decorate the library at the governor’s mansion in Lansing.(Photo: ALAN WARD/DAILY PRESS & ARGUS)

Each year, the governor's residence is gifted with the Michigan Christmas Tree Association's Reserve Grand Champion tree, which is visible right when patrons walk in the door. The 2013 winner came from Oxford Township-based Candy Cane Christmas Tree Farm, which also provided the tree decorated by the Howell designers.

"Designing a Christmas tree is not easy," Hamel said. "It has to look effortless and flawless.

"That's why we like to have someone do it that has an eye for that detail."

Spencer said the key to decorating a tree is to make sure it looks "balanced." The designers first strung the tree with lights, added the topper and then progressed from larger to smaller bulbs. She described their gold, royal blue and red design as "absolutely gorgeous."

"It's very traditional, as I think it should be at the governor's residence," Spencer said.

Spencer and Cunningham were recommended for the job through connections with the Michigan Floral Association, said Country Lane owner Kevin Adamo.

"They chose us, and we jumped at the opportunity," he said.

The decor, owned by the state, was provided to Spencer and Cunningham, who volunteered their talents.

The 11-foot Reserve Grand Champion tree was decorated by designers from Flint-based Nordlie.